SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT News Release
		Release #08-14-04 August 14, 2004 For Immediate Release
						Media Office 916-433-0808  Capt. Joe Valenzuela Sgt. Justin Risley, PIO Ofc. Michelle Lazark PIC Audrey Lee     Internet: www.sacpd.org

The Sacramento Police Department wants to make the public aware of a scam involving the elderly.

On August 9, 2004, a Black male approached an elderly man in his 80’s while he was mowing his lawn in the Fairgrounds area of Sacramento.  The suspect told the elderly man that he was from South Africa and that he needed some directions.  After a lengthy conversation, the suspect told the victim that he had a large sum of money that he wanted to distribute to needy people.  The suspect showed the victim a large money roll.  The suspect told the victim that he needed a safe place for his money.  The victim offered to drive the suspect to Loaves and Fishes.  On the way, the suspect told the victim that he needed to use the restroom at a fast food restaurant.  Once at the restaurant, the suspect met up with another Hispanic/Black male suspect.  The second suspect said that he was also willing to help.  The original suspect told the victim that he would rather have the victim and his wife keep his money. The victim ended up taking the suspects back to his residence to put the suspect’s money in his home lock box.  Once inside the home, the suspect took a large amount of money from the victim’s lock box.  The victim didn’t see the suspect take the money out of the box.  When the victim checked the box after the suspects left abruptly, he discovered that his money was gone.  According the victim, the suspect seemed friendly and sincere.

Suspect Information:  Suspect #1 - Black male with dark skin, mid 40’s to early 50’s, 6’0”, 200-240 lbs, black hair with sideburns, and brown eyes.  He was last seen wearing a black leather hat with a small brim, white button-down, short-sleeved shirt, tan pants and brown shoes.

Suspect #2 – a Black or Hispanic male, 45-50 years old.

Safety Tips:  If someone approaches you and tells you that they need help, offer or tell them to call the police department.  Don’t keep large sums of money in your home.  Don’t let strangers into your home even if they seem sincere.

If you have seen the above suspects in your neighborhood or if you have any information on this crime, you are urged to call Crime Alert at 443-HELP or 1-800 AA-CRIME.  Callers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward up to $1000.